Board Members Get Behind 3-year Plan

April 12, 2000|By Marcia Sagendorph.

HIGHLAND PARK — A three-year planning document detailing seven key areas for Township High School District 113 is receiving strong support from the board.

In the district that includes Highland Park High School and Deerfield High School, officials will provide parents and community members easy access to the plan by adding it to the district Web site (www.d113.lake.k12.il.us) by fall, officials said.

"We want this to be a live document where the public can access it at any time," Supt. Linda Hanson said at Monday's board meeting. "We don't want it to gather dust on some shelf."

The seven major initiatives outlined in the plan include learning, technology, partnerships, systems, school climate, data collection and facilities. Improvements to facilities are already under way with the construction of new math and science wings at both high schools and renovations of existing facilities.

The planning document is a culmination of efforts of nearly 90 people, including teachers and community members, who began drafting it in January 1999. It includes a mission--"A passion for potential"--and lists school beliefs and guiding principles.

"The board is unanimously in favor of the plan and the idea of breaking new ground," said board member Thomas Mandler. "It is a very important future direction for our schools."